Tonight
the compensation package passed with a vote of 8-5. First Ward Alderman Tim Durkee
was not present. Those in favor say the decision is long overdue because the
city placed a wage freeze on non-union employees in 2009.

Eighth
Ward Alderman Nancy Johnson said "we've balanced the budget on the backs
of some of these employees for too many years. We decided it just wasn't an appropriate
thing to continue to do."

Those
receiving the pay increase vary across the city; including employees such as
department heads, clerks, secretaries and those in the police and fire
departments.

Alderman
Johnson said not increasing pay has prohibited "some police and fire department
officials from achieving a certain rank without taking a pay cut."

The aldermen that voted against the Ordinance say the city
has a budget deficit and there are more important issues that need to be taken
care of first.

"I still have some concerns because we're still in
negotiation with organized labor as well regarding their wages. I think we
should have waited," said Thirteenth Ward Alderman Linda McNeely.